Literary Prospects

Kelley Vick
  • 5.0 (11)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Kelley Vick talks to authors and other literary professionals about books, publishing and the writing life.

  1. 4D AGO

    From the Playground to the Page: Corey Ann Haydu on Writing Motherhood and Memory in Her Adult Debut

    What happens when a celebrated children's author decides to explore the messy, vulnerable truth of adult friendships and motherhood? Corey Ann Haydu takes us behind the scenes of her vulnerable leap into adult fiction with Mothers and Other Strangers, a dual-timeline story exploring friendship, motherhood, and the weight of secrets across generations. In this episode, Corey reveals the seven-year journey behind her stunning adult debut. She opens up about the fear of leaving her comfort zone, how writing for children prepared her to honor the gravity of childhood and adolescence, and why sometimes the best thing you can do for your manuscript is walk away for months at a time.  Whether you're contemplating a genre shift, wrestling with point of view, or wondering how to balance creative freedom with craft discipline, this conversation offers wisdom earned through years of experience—and the courage to start over. In this episode, you'll learn: • How to transition between genres without losing your voice—and why constraint can be both limiting and liberating • The art of roving close third-person POV—techniques for seamlessly moving between multiple characters' perspectives • When to put a manuscript aside—how taking breaks and evolving as a person can strengthen your work • Character development strategies—finding the emotional entry point and building from small connections to fully realized people • The power of taking childhood seriously—why honoring adolescent perspectives creates deeper, more resonant adult fiction • Navigating vulnerability in a new market—what it's like to submit as an unknown after years of publishing success • Craft accountability tricks—why writing down your creative decisions (not just thinking them) transforms your work   *To support the podcast and get awesome, bookish merch, check out the Literary Prospects Shop at https://shop.literaryprospects.com  *For books featured on the podcast and other curated booklists, check out our online store at Bookshop.org, Literary Prospects Books: https://bookshop.org/shop/literaryprospects  *More good stuff for writers and readers: https://literaryprospects.com Topics Covered: [0:00] - Introduction [0:36] - Starred Reviews & Praise [2:09] - About Mothers and Other Strangers [3:05] - The personal inspiration behind the story  [4:42] - Transitioning to Adult Fiction [9:48] - Writing Childhood from an Adult Lens [12:05] - Mom Friends - the unique dynamics of parent friendships [14:45] - Point of View Choices - The roving close third-person POV and how Corey made it work seamlessly across four main characters [19:37] - Why May became Corey's entry point into the story  [22:08] – Corey’s Writing Process and the value of stepping away and returning with fresh perspective [27:55] - From Actor to Writer - Corey's journey from theater conservatory to realizing writing was her true calling [30:50] - Road to Publication [39:23] - Lessons Learned - What Corey wishes she'd known before publishing her first book  [43:56] - Teaching at Vermont College of Fine Arts - How teaching MFA students has clarified Corey's own craft and provided emotional grounding beyond publishing's uncertainties [49:26] - Advice for Aspiring Authors [52:26] - Theme Song choice

    55 min

  2. MAR 3

    Ariel Slick on Self-Publishing Her New Southern Gothic novel, The Devil Take The Blues

    After spending four years crafting her novel and a full year querying agents only to hear "great writing, no market vision," Ariel Slick made the bold decision to self-publish her novel, THE DEVIL TAKE THE BLUES, a Southern Gothic tale set in 1920s Louisiana. The result? Her book now sits in 15 bookstores and has garnered stellar reviews. In this episode, Ariel shares her research-intensive writing process, the emotional journey of writing about complicated family relationships, her deep dive into blues music and Southern folklore, and, most importantly—the exact steps she took to successfully self-publish, from finding the right editor to getting that crucial review that opened bookstore doors. You’ll learn: •    How to transition from "aspiring writer" to published author without waiting for traditional publishing gatekeepers •    The step-by-step self-publishing process: editing, cover design, launch strategy, and the tools that actually work •    How to get your self-published book into bookstores and libraries using editorial reviews and personalized outreach •    Why you should skip Facebook ads when starting out (and what free marketing to focus on instead) •    The outlining method that syncs character development with plot (Story Genius by Lisa Cron) •    Why Kirkus Reviews matter and how to leverage them to gain credibility with bookstores •    How to overcome the stigma of self-publishing (spoiler: quality writing trumps everything)  *To support the podcast and get awesome, bookish merch, check out the Literary Prospects Shop at https://shop.literaryprospects.com *For books featured on the podcast and other curated booklists, check out our online store at Bookshop.org, Literary Prospects Books: https://bookshop.org/shop/literaryprospects  *More good stuff for writers and readers: https://literaryprospects.com  Topics Covered: [02:35] What The Devil Take the Blues is about [03:26] The spark behind the story [04:28] Why the 1920s Louisiana setting [05:33] Writing as a love letter: Processing a complicated sister relationship  [07:31] Research deep dive: blues history and Southern culture [09:26] From fantasy to Southern Gothic: Why Ariel switched genres  [11:12] Southern folklore and mythology [13:11] The devil character [14:38] Writing process part 1: Brainstorming, asking "why," and finding the theme [16:00] Writing process part 2: Outlining with Story Genius by Lisa Cron [18:17] Becoming a writer [19:56] Ariel's road to publication [20:46] Agent rejection: a year of querying with no bites [21:48] The self-publishing decision: Creating Hell or High Water Books [22:34] Self-publishing process: Editing, hiring specialist cover designers, and launch resources [24:27] Book launch strategy: Using Joanna Penn's How to Market a Book and APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur [25:03] Getting into bookstores: The Kirkus review strategy that opens doors [25:48] Bookstore outreach: Using NetGalley, editorial reviews, and personalized emails to pitch bookstores [27:21] Marketing mistakes to avoid: Why Facebook and Instagram ads aren't worth it for unknown authors [28:54] Advice for aspiring authors [31:17] Theme song pick: "Crossroad Blues" by Robert Johnson

    33 min

  3. FEB 24

    From Arctic Lawyer to Debut Novelist: Malcolm Kempt on Writing A Gift Before Dying

    Malcolm Kempt spent 17 years as a criminal lawyer in the remote Canadian Arctic before trading the courtroom for full-time writing. His journey from law to literature led to his critically acclaimed debut crime novel, A Gift Before Dying. In this episode, Malcolm shares how isolation in one of the world’s harshest landscapes shaped his atmospheric storytelling, why he chose to write crime over horror despite his love for the genre, and the unconventional path that led him from a $500 ice cream trailer to a two-book deal with Penguin Random House. He opens up about his "waste books" writing method, the importance of deep focus in a distracted world, and why aspiring authors should put down their phones and pick up their pens.  In this episode, you'll learn: •    How lived experience fuels authentic storytelling – Malcolm's 17 years in the Arctic provided the foundation for his debut novel's setting and themes •    The "waste books" method for overcoming writer's block – A historical approach to capturing ideas without pressure •    How Malcolm balanced his love of horror with his background in criminal law •    How online workshops and critique groups helped Malcolm develop his craft in isolation •    Why eliminating phone distractions is essential for deep creative work •    The reality of the publishing journey – From winning an unpublished manuscript award to landing a major book deal *To support the podcast and get awesome, bookish merch, check out the Literary Prospects Shop at https://shop.literaryprospects.com *For books featured on the podcast and other curated booklists, check out our online store at Bookshop.org, Literary Prospects Books: https://bookshop.org/shop/literaryprospects *More good stuff for writers and readers: https://literaryprospects.com Topics covered: [0:00] Introduction to Malcolm Kempt and A Gift Before Dying [2:28] What is A Gift Before Dying about? Crime novel meets ghost story [4:30] The spark: A spate of suicides in Cape Dorset that haunted Malcolm [6:45] Why the Arctic? Places where "the veil is thin"  [9:15] Balancing horror influences with crime fiction [11:30] How Malcolm ended up as a lawyer in the Canadian Arctic [15:00] Creating characters: Sergeant Cole and 10-year-old Malik [19:45] The moral complexity of justice in isolated communities  [23:00] Malcolm's writing process: Cinematic thinking and "tent pole" images  [27:15] The "waste books" method for capturing ideas  [30:00] Architect vs. archeologist: Finding structure in chaos  [33:45] Malcolm's creative origin story: Music, art, and writing [38:00] Finding community through Lit Reactor workshops [42:15] The pandemic decision: Leaving law to write full-time  [45:30] Financing the dream: Running an ice cream trailer while writing [49:00] The road to publication: From award to agent to two-book deal [54:00] Current writing routine with a 3-year-old [56:30] The unexpected joy of reconnecting with people from your past [58:45] Best advice for aspiring authors: Get off your phone  [1:05:00] Balancing social media demands with deep creative work [1:11:30] Dream casting and theme song for the adaptation [1:14:45] Closing thoughts

    35 min

  4. FEB 17

    Kristi DeMeester on DARK SISTERS: Witchcraft, feminine rage, and breaking free from purity culture

    What happens when you weave together three centuries of women's stories, religious trauma, and a curse that won't let go? Author Kristi DeMeester takes us deep into the haunting world of DARK SISTERS—a multi-generational horror epic that explores shame, rage, and the power of accepting all parts of ourselves.  In this episode, Kristi opens up about her personal journey growing up in fundamentalist religion and mega churches, and how those experiences shaped the themes of religious persecution, purity culture, and feminine rage in her work. She also shares her path to publication, from years of querying and rejection to a life-changing book deal, why she fought writing horror for so long, and why the term "literary horror" isn’t her favorite.  In this episode, you'll learn: • How journaling became the foundation for Dark Sisters • How Kristi developed three timelines (the maid, the mother, and the crone) to tell the complete story she needed to tell • Why accepting all parts of yourself means being willing to see what's wrong and apologize—not just blindly accept • How Kristi ended up with a "life-changing" book deal after years of rejection • How horror can offer comfort: even in the most horrific situations This episode is your sign that you don't need permission to write what scares you, and never give up! *To support the podcast and get awesome, bookish merch, check out the Literary Prospects Shop at https://shop.literaryprospects.com  *For books featured on the podcast and other curated booklists, check out our online store at Bookshop.org, Literary Prospects Books: https://bookshop.org/shop/literaryprospects *More good stuff for writers and readers: https://literaryprospects.com   Show Notes: Guest: Kristi DeMeester Books Discussed: •    Dark Sisters (latest novel) •    Such A Pretty Smile (Georgia Author of the Year finalist) •    Beneath •    Everything That's Underneath (short fiction collection)   Topics Covered: •    [00:00] Introduction and welcome •    [00:43] Overview of Dark Sisters and its three-timeline structure •    [04:28] The spark that started the story •    [06:38] Growing up in fundamentalist religion and mega churches •    [08:07] Purity culture and purity balls •    [08:19] How Roe v. Wade's overturning influenced the book •    [10:25] The three timelines and working with Kristi's agent •    [13:38] Writing process: alternating timelines vs. writing them separately •    [15:58] Camilla as the character Kristi might have become •    [17:47] Mary as Kristi's favorite character •    [20:09] Themes of anger, acceptance, and compassion •    [23:38] The importance of accepting uncomfortable truths about ourselves •    [26:13] The lore of the Dark Sisters entity •    [32:03] Coming to writing and horror •    [36:39] The comfort found in horror •    [37:21] Thoughts on "literary horror" as a term •    [39:17] The long road to publication •    [42:06] The life-changing book deal for Such A Pretty Smile •    [49:38] Advice for aspiring authors: don't be afraid to keep going •    [51:27] Theme song choice: Eartha Kitt's "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" •    [52:40] Dream casting for a Dark Sisters adaptation

    55 min

  5. FEB 10

    From Doom Scroll to Book Deal: Michelle Maryk on found objects and an unexpected path to publication

    Could a random scroll through Instagram turn into a debut novel? That's exactly what happened to Michelle Merrick when she spotted an Etsy ad for a 1920’s martini glass and immediately thought, "What if a person died holding this…and left their energy in the glass?" Four months later, she had a complete manuscript for her debut speculative thriller The Found Object Society.   In this episode, Michelle gets real about the writing life—the good, the messy, and the terrifying. She talks about waking up every morning to face the blinking cursor with a bit of terror, writing 2,000 words before lunch, and trusting her acting improv background to let the story unfold without rigid outlines. Her approach? Write the first draft fast and messy, take notes in your phone constantly, don't overthink it, and never give up. In this episode, you'll learn: •    How to trust your creative instincts even when you don't have it all figured out •    How Michelle wrote a first draft in 3-4 months without burning out (and why messy is better) •    Why attending writing conferences is the single most important thing Michelle did for her career •    How to build genuine relationships in the writing community (even if you're an introvert) •    How to keep going after rejection and use each manuscript as a stepping stone •    How to balance research with momentum so you don't get stuck in the details •    Why your supernatural or speculative idea might be exactly what readers need right now  This episode is an invitation to stop second-guessing yourself, release the pressure to write "the right way," and remember that you don't need an MFA or a perfect outline to build a writing career. *To support the podcast and get awesome, bookish merch, check out the Literary Prospects Shop at https://shop.literaryprospects.com  *For books featured on the podcast and other curated booklists, check out our online store at Bookshop.org, Literary Prospects Books: https://bookshop.org/shop/literaryprospects *More good stuff for writers and readers: https://literaryprospects.com Topics Discussed: •    [0:00] Introduction and book blurbs from Julia Barts, Fiona Davis, and Danielle Tristani •    [2:04] Plot overview: Greta Davenport and the mysterious Found Object Society •    [4:52] The spark: How a vintage Etsy martini glass inspired the entire novel •    [7:16] Character development and choosing historical objects (French perfume bottle, Elton John sunglasses, 1920s cigarette lighter) •    [12:04] Writing structure: Experiencing voyages chronologically with Greta •    [14:17] Research process for different time periods and 1920s slang •    [17:30] Childhood obsession with the supernatural and influence of her father •    [22:23] Themes of privilege, addiction, and wealth disparity in New York City •    [25:17] Daily writing process and using Scrivener •    [29:06] Origin story: From childhood poems to "I Hate Tuna" to short stories •    [31:49] Road to publication: Writing conferences, querying, and signing with an agent •    [37:30] Cover design process and fighting for the perfect visual •    [38:17] Best advice: Get out of the writing cave and attend conferences •    [40:33] Theme song choice: "New York Narcotic" by The Knocks

    42 min

  6. FEB 3

    Author Karen Winn on secret societies and sophomore novels

    On this episode of Literary Prospects, we're talking with author Karen Winn about her sophomore novel, THE SOCIETY, the sordid Boston history behind the story; the secret society she, herself, may or may not have been a part of (wink, wink); balancing nursing and writing careers; the challenges of selling a novel before it’s written; and much more. * To support the podcast and get awesome, bookish merch, check out the Literary Prospects Shop. *For books featured on the podcast and other curated booklists, check out our online store at Bookshop.org,  Literary Prospects Books. *More good stuff for writers and readers at LiteraryProspects.com.

    51 min

  7. 12/09/2025

    Stand-up Comedian Aaron Leidecker on self-publishing children's books, imposter syndrome, and more

    Comedian and writer Aaron Leidecker talks with Kelley about his debut children’s book BOWIE’S BACKYARD, his beloved blind dog that inspired the book, self-publishing and marketing children’s books, dealing with imposter syndrome, how his stand-up comedy informs his writing, and much more.  *Purchase a copy of BOWIE’S BACKYARD here * To support the podcast and get awesome, bookish merch, check out the Literary Prospects Shop. *For books featured on the podcast and other curated booklists, check out our online store at Bookshop.org,  Literary Prospects Books. *More good stuff for writers and readers at LiteraryProspects.com.

    59 min

  8. 11/11/2025

    Author Marisa Silver on leaving film for literature and writing about "ordinary" moments

    On our 99th episode, I sit down with the brilliant Marisa Silver to talk about her new novel, At Last, the strange interaction with her own grandmother at age 4 that sparked the novel, leaving film for literature, writing about “ordinary” moments, the enduring importance of art, and so much more. * To support the podcast and get awesome, bookish merch, check out the Literary Prospects Shop. *For books featured on the podcast and other curated booklists, check out our online store at Bookshop.org,  Literary Prospects Books. *More good stuff for writers and readers at LiteraryProspects.com.

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Kelley Vick talks to authors and other literary professionals about books, publishing and the writing life.

Information

  • Creator
    Kelley Vick
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Literary Prospects
  • Show Website
    Literary Prospects

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